The Mick-A-Matic is a viewfinder camera. It was built from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. The model is from the factory of Child Guidance Products Inc. The company was based in the Bronx in New York, USA.
As you can deduce from the name, the model is a product in cooperation with Disney. The cameras are modeled after Mickey Mouse’s head.
The camera settings are fixed. The photographer has no influence on aperture, exposure time or focus.
The camera is powered by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). A flash can be connected via the flash cube terminal. The films are rewound manually in the Mick-A-Matic.
Films for the Mick-A-Matic
The camera is designed for 126 cassette films. Unfortunately, this film format no longer exists. Therefore the camera can no longer be used for taking pictures.
You can only buy the camera used. The prices for the camera differ depending on the condition. Because of the design and the second target group, Disney collectors, the value of the camera is very high. In addition to that there is the small quantity of the Mick-A-Matic.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 126 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Focal length | - |
| Widest aperture | - |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
FAQ about the Mick-A-Matic
Is this camera automatic or do I need to adjust settings?
The Mick-A-Matic camera is fully automatic. You don't adjust the aperture, shutter speed, or focus; everything is fixed. This makes it very easy to use.
What kind of batteries does the Mickey Mouse camera use?
The camera uses two standard AA batteries to power the flash. Note that the camera itself doesn't require batteries for operation, only for the flash.
Where was this particular type of camera made?
The Mick-A-Matic was manufactured by Child Guidance Products Inc., a company located in the Bronx, New York in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Can I still buy film for this vintage camera?
Unfortunately, the Mick-A-Matic uses 126 film cartridges, which are no longer produced. This means you can't take new pictures with it.
How much does a Mickey Mouse-shaped camera like this cost?
The price of a used Mick-A-Matic varies greatly depending on its condition. However, due to its design and collectability, it tends to be quite expensive.